Glass Anemone Shrimp

Periclimenes brevicarpalis, commonly known as the glass anemone shrimp or the peacock-tail anemone shrimp, is a distinctive species within the Palaemonidae family. This species is characterized by its robust morphology, adorned with black-ringed orange spots on its tail, and is frequently observed inhabiting large sea anemones across various coastal regions. Typically, these shrimps are found in pairs, residing safely amidst the anemone's tentacles, which otherwise deter potential predators with their stinging capabilities. The shrimp is observed at depths ranging from 1 to 5 meters and is occasionally referred to as the Clown anemone shrimp. Historically, it was classified under a different nomenclature, Periclimenes brevicarpalis.

The species can attain a size of approximately 4 cm. The shrimp's body exhibits a pronounced transparency, especially in males, whose long pincers are transparent with distinct purple bars. Notably, females tend to be larger and display more vivid coloration, evident in the prevalence and size of white spots on their dorsal surface, abdomen, and the tail's base. Males may exhibit near-total transparency except for prominent eyespots on the tail. A subset of individuals in this species may display a white tail and a white bar between the eyes similar to the traits commonly found in females. In both sexes, the tail is distinctively marked with five black-ringed orange eyespots.

These shrimps are more conspicuous during nocturnal low tides when they remain relatively active, whereas they tend to conceal themselves beneath anemones during daylight hours.

Periclimenes brevicarpalis is distributed across the tropical Pacific and 🌊 Indian Oceans, including regions adjacent to 🇦🇺 Australia.